Soho is considered to be a relatively safe area due to its central London location and well-lit streets. The many bars and clubs in the area help to deter crime, and public transport through Soho is both regular and reliable. Both residents and visitors report feeling safe while in Soho, even at night.
The go-to district for a good time in London, Soho hosts a wealth of world-class theatres and a compelling lineup of cafes, restaurants, pubs, bars, and clubs. At Soho's core is London's original Red Light District and the epicenter of the LGBT scene – and thus the city's hottest nightlife.
Soho is a small neighbourhood in the centre of London that is known for its buzzing and bohemian atmosphere and culture. From nightlife to theatres, restaurants and bars in Soho, it's the place Londoners and visitors go to enjoy themselves 24/7.
Soho is a lively area and a great number of bars, pubs and restaurants are there to support its image and reputation. It has become a favourite spot for nights out, popular with locals and tourists.
Diverse, fun-loving and never quiet, Soho attracts a wide mix of people. Its history, venues and atmosphere make it a must-see for tourists and Londoners alike.
Soho London nightlife guide 🍹 Top places to go for an epic night out
Is it safe to walk around Soho?
Not at all, SoHo is pretty well lit and awake well into the night, and, like most of New York, isn't really dangerous at all. Just don't go wandering about looking haplessly clueless, and if you're super concerned, just don't keep your valuables in plain sight.
Nevertheless, the area remains a red-light district and prostitution still takes place in walk-ups. The studio flats in which they work are often sign-posted by fluorescent "model" signs at street level.
SoHo is short for “south of Houston Street.” Today, the neighborhood is famous for its upscale boutiques, artists, and cast-iron architecture. But in the mid-1900s, SoHo was known for its factories and industries, earning it the nickname “Hell's Hundred Acres.”
As you might expect, Soho is a somewhat costly place to own or rent a house or flat. There is limited property available here, while its location in London's centre has made prices rise even faster than those across the rest of the city.
Interestingly, living in the lofts, which many artists did, was illegal until 1971. According to the non-profit SoHo Memory Project, SoHo's transformation into a wealthy neighborhood began in the 1980s when the area started attracting well-off residents, famous artists, and galleries that opened shop there.
SoHo's cobblestone streets are lined with impeccably restored cast-iron buildings that house some of the most luxurious and sought-after living spaces in New York City. While the architectural splendor is undeniable, this desirability comes with a hefty price tag.
Where Not to Stay in London as a Tourist? Generally speaking, most areas of London are safe and suitable to stay in but, for peace of mind, we would recommend avoiding areas such as Canning Town, Tower Hamlets, and Hackney where crime rates are notably higher.
Many of the classier and more glamourous bars in the area will expect you to turn up in a dress and heels – or at the very least, jeans and a nice top with heels – while some of the more laid-back and quirky bars don't care what you wear at all, as long as you are comfortable and having a good time.
Our overall favourite: The West End is a major tourist district right in the centre of London. It's where you'll find lots of theatres, great shopping, excellent restaurants and buzzing nightlife.
Carnaby Street: This is the area that was famed with being at the centre of the fashion scene during the sixties. These days it is slightly more commercial, but it still maintains some of that essence of creativity. It is the place to head to do some shopping in Soho.
Visitors are drawn to SoHo for three primary reasons: its historic architecture (particularly the incredible cast-iron buildings), its famous art scene, and the shopping. All three can be found throughout the district. Here are some highlights.
From its Instagrammable cobblestone streets to its high-end boutiques, SoHo is the epitome of NYC romanticism—and rightfully so! The gorgeous neighborhood is defined by its picturesque architecture, celebrity sightings and restaurant staples. With so much to explore it's hard to know how to narrow it all down.
Due to high crime rates, gang activity, and drug-related crimes, several of London's neighbourhoods are considered the most hazardous. Tower Hamlets, Hackney, Newham, Enfield, Haringey, Croydon, and Lewisham are some of the most dangerous communities in London.
Despite a slight increase in violent offences between 2020 and 2021, Richmond-upon-Thames is still London's safest borough, with the least common crime being possession of weapons.
SoHo is a neighborhood in New York City, New York with a population of 11,623. SoHo is in New York County and is one of the best places to live in New York. Living in SoHo offers residents a dense urban feel and most residents rent their homes. In SoHo there are a lot of bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and parks.
For centuries, it was a seedy corner of town filled with criminals, bohemians and prostitutes, thanks to a thriving art scene and cheap rent. It's still London's red light district today, and though it's not quite the den of iniquity it once was, there's plenty of naughty fun to be had.
Every city has a seedy side, and Soho has been the centre of London's sex industry since 1778. Until that point, Southwark had been the city's Red Light District. Its location beyond the mayor's jurisdiction helped make it an entertainment hotspot filled with taverns and theatres.
The name "SoHo" derives from the area being "South of Houston Street", and was coined in 1962 by Chester Rapkin, an urban planner and author of The South Houston Industrial Area study, also known as the "Rapkin Report".
